CHAPTER 74: CHAPTER 74: EXPERT ADVICE

This comment naturally made Xiaobai uncomfortable—not because it was arrogant, but because it had practiced diligently day and night, only to receive such a result from an expert, which was a huge blow to the ox.

However, Xu Youzhen was a straightforward person, saying whatever he saw, and being coy was not his style.

Experts talk about technique and experience; they don’t need to be too wrapped up in human relationships.

Lin Chen sensed Xiaobai’s "Dao Heart" wavering and quickly comforted it using mind communication: "Xiaobai, the expert’s words aren’t absolute. The path is made by oneself, and you still have me."

Upon hearing this, Xiaobai felt a lot more at ease.

Yes!

The path is made by oneself, and its Beastmaster always grants it immense power.

"But we shouldn’t underestimate what others say either..." Lin Chen reminded.

He could tell that Xu Youzhen indeed had some knowledge in this area.

However, Xiaobai’s growth was due to its step-by-step bloodline improvement, not something that could be analyzed like an ordinary ox.

Xiaobai nodded again.

"I’m saying this; I hope you don’t mind." Xu Youzhen said to Lin Chen: "The growth of a Spirit Beast needs step-by-step improvement, just like raising a child..."

Lin Chen listened intently, keeping it in mind.

Indeed, Xu Youzhen was skilled, and he wanted to touch Xiaobai’s horns, but Xiaobai was very resistant.

"Angry?" Xu Youzhen thought the ox temper had flared up.

He had delved into ox-type Spirit Beasts for many years and knew most oxen had tempers.

He tried to soothe it nicely, but Lin Chen was embarrassed...

It wasn’t because of the ox temper; Xiaobai just didn’t like strangers touching it.

Lin Chen used mind communication to persuade Xiaobai, and Xiaobai finally agreed.

After Xu Youzhen successfully touched it, he moved forward to pat the ox leg and said: "It’s been eating too few supplements. Do you often feed it Spirit Grass and rice?"

"Yes."

"That won’t do; supplements are still necessary to improve nutrition." Xu Youzhen said expertly: "The Plowhorn Beast’s weapon is its horns, so supplements with iron attributes are most suitable. Additionally, it should eat more meat, especially Demon Beast leg meat, which can help improve leg muscles and increase speed."

Lin Chen was sweating.

That Demon Beast leg meat is quite valuable; buying a leg could cost thousands, maybe even tens of thousands.

Indeed, Spirit Beasts really are like human infants—gold-eaters.

Finally, he said: "Chairman Lee should have told you that I have a special skill: playing the piano to the ox."

Lin Chen nodded.

"I can indeed help, but I need to test whether it can withstand the musical technique." Xu Youzhen glanced at Lee Zhen and said: "The fee is a hundred thousand."

Lin Chen glanced at Lee Zhen, who knew Lin Chen was a sly fox and would not let him see through it, so he said: "He’s an expert, so naturally, the fee is high."

Lin Chen hesitated...

Though he had quite some money now, a hundred thousand could buy a lot of supplements.

Unexpectedly, Xu Youzhen added: "Rest assured, if there’s no effect, no charge; if the effect is not up to standard, no charge either."

Lin Chen was about to nod, but Xiaobai was feeling a bit reluctant...

A hundred thousand—a lot of Blood Spirit Grass needed to be sold.

Niu Niu was heartbroken!

"Money can be earned again, and when you become stronger, you’ll earn more." Lin Chen patiently encouraged.

Little Fox made a sound, indicating that it could offer money from its coin bank.

Upon hearing this, Lin Chen smiled and told Little Fox that there was no need.

Xiaobai was also touched and glanced at Xiao Hong, as it knew Little Fox kept a tight watch on its coin bank, looking at it several times a day.

"What test?" Lin Chen asked.

"A fight." Xu Youzhen pointed at Jiang Yue, saying: "Its Plowhorn Beast is also Level 11; let them fight."

Fearing Lin Chen’s disbelief, Xu Youzhen assured Lin Chen that his musical technique required a physically fit Spirit Beast to achieve better results; otherwise, it’d be a waste of effort.

Jiang Yue was stunned, not expecting Xu Youzhen to arrange this.

Xiaobai, on the other hand, mooed excitedly, looking at Lin Chen.

"Uh... go ahead." Lin Chen waved his hand.

Xiaobai immediately ran off.

"Where’s it going?" Xu Youzhen asked.

This ox...

Afraid of the fight?

Lin Chen was sweating.

In fact, Xiaobai was going to take a bath, having been touched by a stranger just now.

But he couldn’t say this to Xu Youzhen, so he explained:

"My Plowhorn Beast has a habit of using cold water to bathe before a fight to keep itself calm."

"It has such a habit?"

Xu Youzhen was befuddled; he’d worked for thirty years and never seen an ox like this.

Jiang Yue duly hit her Plowhorn Beast’s head and said:

"Good habit!"

...

Xiaobai soon finished its bath, feeling comfortable all over as it returned.

The group went to the arena at Tai Niu Institute, and Lee Zhen asked: "I saw a stage being set up outside the square; what’s it for?"

"Don’t you know?" Xu Youzhen said proudly: "Black Mountain City plans to organize the Cow King Competition."

"No wonder there are so many people recently." Lee Zhen said after hearing this; he was truly envious.

Lin Chen understood Lee Zhen’s emotions.

Competitions are a cultural feature of cities in Cangling Ancient Country, as many cities have their unique Spirit Beasts, so to expand their influence, they host various competitions to allow more Beastmasters to choose their Spirit Beasts.

One of the most famous competitions involves bears; for example, in the city of Lee Zaiqing’s Iron Palm Bear, the Bear King Competition is held every four years, with rich rewards, and has become a city promotion with great success.

However, not all kinds can organize successfully.

Jiuxing City once had a Divine Fox Competition, later canceled due to too few participants.

The rise of city competitions is now defined as a unique flag of a city.

"This year is the start-up year, so we have only established a Juvenile Group, with levels set at Level 20 and below Spirit Beasts to participate. More groups will be organized in the future." As everyone spoke, a voice suddenly sounded.

Everyone turned to see a middle-aged man in a white robe approaching, who greeted: "This must be Chairman Lee Zhen? I’m honored."

Lee Zhen didn’t recognize him, so Xu Youzhen introduced: "The dean of Tai Niu Institute, Zhu He."

The two "leaders" immediately exchanged pleasantries, and the previous topic naturally stopped.

Actually, Lin Chen was a bit curious about the rewards.

Two Plowhorn Beasts entered the arena, and both Beastmasters instructed them not to deal heavy blows, just normal sparring.

Then, the two parties were ready.

...

Zhu He, watching this scene from below, shook his head inwardly.

Honestly, he felt Xu Youzhen was being a bit unfair.

Jiang Yue was his direct disciple, aiming to secure a good result in the Cow King Competition three months later.

So Jiang Yue’s Plowhorn Beast had listened to the musical technique until it was sick of hearing it.

Under the cultivation of various resources, this Plowhorn Beast’s strength was visibly growing.

Though it was only Level 11, its strength could easily crush a Level 12 or even Level 13 Plowhorn Beast.